Joe Durant, a four-time Tour winner, is known for being one of the straightest drivers in golf history. Despite his shorter driving distance, Durant consistently hit over 75% of fairways during his time on the PGA Tour, with an impressive 82% driving accuracy in 2015. He ranked in the top 10 in strokes gained: off-the-tee for five consecutive years and maintained his position in the top 70 until he moved to the Champions Tour in 2014. As he prepares for the U.S. Senior Open, Durant showcases his exceptional consistency on the driving range at Newport Country Club.
Durant’s success in hitting fairways can be attributed to his meticulous attention to detail in his setup and alignment. He emphasizes the importance of being properly stacked during the setup, ensuring that the shoulders, hips, and feet are aligned towards the target. By visualizing alignment sticks pointing towards the target through these body parts, Durant ensures that everything is parallel and stacked on top of each other before taking his shot. This alignment aids in promoting solid ball striking and accuracy on the fairway.
On the driving range, Durant utilizes two alignment sticks placed in front of him to assist with his setup. One stick is inside the ball while the other is parallel to it just outside the ball. These sticks serve as guides for Durant to ensure his footline is parallel to the inner stick and the clubhead follows a specific path during the takeaway. Durant focuses on keeping the clubhead on the correct path by using the outer alignment stick as a visual reference, especially during the initial stages of the swing.
In promoting accuracy over distance, Durant suggests teeing the ball low to control the launch and minimize spin. While many golfers aim to generate maximum distance by teeing the ball high and swinging up, Durant prefers a lower launch angle to achieve accuracy. By teeing the ball lower and utilizing a fade shot under pressure, Durant can squeeze the ball out there with more control. He acknowledges his strengths as a player and prioritizes control in his game, leveraging his accuracy and consistency to his advantage.
As Durant continues to fine-tune his swing and mechanics, he shares his secrets for hitting fairways with aspiring golfers. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper alignment and setup, using alignment aids to guide the club path, and teeing the ball low for enhanced control. Despite facing challenges in his game, Durant’s commitment to precision and consistency on the fairways sets him apart as one of the straightest drivers in golf history. As he competes in the U.S. Senior Open, Durant’s dedication to mastering the fundamentals of accuracy serves as a valuable lesson for golfers of all levels.
